Why the CMI Designation is Destined for Success

[John McKenna]

Originally Posted by rray

That wouldn't sit well with we workaholics. We want to charge more and work more to make even more than those who charge more and work less.

Good point RR....

[whandley]

As our CMI President has stated over and over and over, the goal is to "Charge more and work less".....

except for Russell

[David Nice]

Originally Posted by jfarsetta

So long as we are not delving into any area which can be construed as price-fixing or price-gouging, we should be okay. We need to be careful what we discuss. Any mention of minimum pricing is an absolute no-no.

Sherman anti-trust legislation is nothing to sneeze at. As such, I strongly urge all those interested in posting on the matter to please refrain from any mention of fees, fee schedules, or minimum pricing.

I recommend asking the NACHI attorney to weigh in on the elements of discussing price between inspectors. It is pretty obvious that home inspections are underpriced considering the value provided and the cost of doing business, continuing education, etc.

Even on NAHI's website they mistakenly stated the the typical home inspection costs 1-2% of the selling price of the property. Imagine how happy HI's would be if that were true.

It would be interesting to find out how the RE industry managed to come up with % range that seems so uniform across the industry.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by dnice

It would be interesting to find out how the RE industry managed to come up with % range that seems so uniform across the industry.

And the gasoline industry, as well. $2.87 on every corner, from here to there and everywhere.

[David Nice]

Originally Posted by rray

And the gasoline industry, as well. $2.87 on every corner, from here to there and everywhere.

I imagine the RE industry gets by as the brokers/agents fees are categorized as "commissions". As for gasoline, it is a tangible product that basically costs the same to produce.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by dnice

I imagine the RE industry gets by as the brokers/agents fees are categorized as "commissions". As for gasoline, it is a tangible product that basically costs the same to produce.

It might cost the same to produce, but it sure doesn't cost the same to sell. You can't convince me that all oil company employee salaries are exactly the same, that maintenance costs on their factories is exactly the same, that transportation costs to the stations is exactly the same, and that the cost/rent on the station is exactly the same for El Cajon, downtown San Diego, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, etc. No *&#$*&(%& way! Collusion is the only way that all those oil companies and all those stations in all those cities can come up with the exact same price for a gallon of gasoline.

[Blaine Wiley]

We have a miminum per gallon gasoline profit here, as in many other states. That way the big guys cant sell below cost to drive the little guys out. (we don't have any little guys, though, but that is their story and they're sticking with it) The price for regular is between 2.71 and 2.75 just about everywhere today.

Our pricing will always differ because price is the easiest area to compete in. The new person entering the field can't come in and compete with a CMI designation next to his name, or tout his 5,8, 10 or more years of experience and thousands of previous inspections. Therefore, price is easy. That is, until the consumer is truly educated about what a home inspection entails, and what it takes to complete one.

When consumers truly realize the value of a proper home inspection, the industrywide fee will rise accordingly. Heck, even most of the new inspectors would rather make $400 than $150!